Boston Synagogue

Open Circle

Me’ah Open Circle Learning is a dynamic new opportunity for adults of all ages & backgrounds. Our course offerings for Fall & Spring semesters explore fascinating themes, texts & personalities.

These courses consist of 8-10 sessions per semester & will be facilitated by exceptional teachers from the Greater Boston Academic Community.

Please note: Me’ah Classic is not a prerequisite. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required. All are welcome.

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Register

Shir HaShirim
– The Song of Songs
In-person & zoom 

With Rabbi Mona Strick

Thurs. 7:00 – 8:30 PM

October 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 30
December 7

Course Description

Rabbi Akiva said that if all the other Books of the Bible are considered “Kedoshim” Holy, then Shir Ha Shirim must be considered “Kodesh Kodashim, (the Holiest of the Holy)

Join us for a journey into Shir Hashirim, the Song of Songs, a spectacular love poem.

In addition to being erotic & evocative it contains some of the most beautiful & unique Biblical language. Neither God nor Israel are mentioned in this scroll, one of the five megillot in the section of Ketuvim (writings) of the Bible.

  • Why is this conversation between lovers in the Tanach?
  • What is holy about it?
  • How is it connected to Shabbat & Passover? (the times when we read it)

We will look closely at the text together with a variety of translations & midrashim as well as similar ancient love poetry. This remarkable book, only 8 chapters long contains mystical secrets & is an invitation for us to open our own hearts to a powerful love.

Registration link coming soon!

Check out Previous Open Circle Courses:

open circle hebrew college

Pirkei Avot – Ancient Wisdom (Zoom) 

Thurs. 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8. 

Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of our Fathers, contains wisdom that has been passed down through the ages. In our class we will explore this unique book of the Mishnah and delve into some of its most well-known passages: What is an argument for the sake of heaven? What should we look for in friendship? What is the definition of happiness? What are we called to do to repair the world? We will read through key passages using traditional and contemporary commentary to expand our conversation.